UNITED STATES

Katie Ryan

Ambassador Skate to Ski

Name: Katie Ryan (aka, Bladie Katie, or Coach Katie)
Date of birth: January 3, 1993
Current Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Skating Since: 2005
Current Skate Setup: Twister 110 


Explain the feeling you had the first time you put on skates.
I remember pulling new Rollerbalde® skates out of the box when I was 12. I was mostly excited for summer ski camp because I had to bring skates and therefore, I was allowed to get a new pair. As soon as I had them on my feet, my eyes widened. I thought this would be something Inspector Gadget would exclaim, “Go-Go-Gadget-shoe-wheels!” and zoom off on. (Inspector Gadget was big at the time.) I was hooked forever more.

What is your inspiration to keep skating?
I use skates for a variety of purposes. I go on long blade routes for cardio workouts. I use them for radical social get-togethers with the Bladies. I romantically rollerblade around the park with my boyfriend (also a skater). I use them while walking my roomates dog, Melvin the fatty. My inspiration stems from pushing boundaries on when and where to blade next.

We truly believe skating makes a better world. How do you think skating makes the world a better place?
Rollerblade® skates enable us to move forward faster but with more ease and fun. Skating enables people to move, self-propelled and hands-free, to get where they want to go – even if it’s just around the block. What’s not to love?

How do you keep progressing and reinventing yourself?
I’m a big fan of hands-free-speed. Similar to skiing without poles (my favorite way to soul shred), I get to experiment with how fast I can go with the most style. By continuing to experiment, I constantly push the limit on what’s too fast or too fun in ever-changing environments.

What’s the most helpful tip you want to share with any skater?
To start, pretend you’re standing on a physio ball. This tactic immediately cancels out most bad habits novice skaters exhibit at first. Knees are kept bent, core is tight, athletic position, and they’re more balance aware.

Imagine a world filled with animals who can skate. If you could be any of those animals what would you be and why?
A flamingo! Think of the leg extension and inverted knee flexion.